Wilburn Stands Out During UConn Football Pro Day

The dream is not dead for former UConn defensive backs Gary Wilburn and Harris Agbor. They had their share of shakiness as Huskies — Wilburn at cornerback and Agbor at safety — but that was then.

On Wednesday, they, along with running back Jonathan Jean-Louis, center Moe Petrus, tackle Mike Ryan and defensive tackle Twyon Martin, performed in front of 32 NFL representatives during Pro Day at the Shenkman facility on campus. Defensive tackle Kendall Reyes, receiver Kashif Moore and kicker Dave Teggart, who all participated in the NFL combine, worked out as well, but to a lesser degree.

"I graduated with two degrees [finance and political science]," Agbor said, "And of course everyone lets me know, 'man, you got two degrees.' But I have a dream to play football, and I think I can put just as much into football as I did those degrees and make that come true. You just can't chase a dream and go halfhearted at it."

Agbor, a reserve most of his career except in 2010, when he started eight games, bench-pressed 225 pounds 16 times, went 33 inches in the vertical jump, 9 feet, 7 inches in the broad jump and ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash.

Wilburn put up the most notable numbers. He recorded a 4.46 40, a 39-inch vertical jump, 10-6 on the broad jump and had 24 reps of 225 pounds. Wilburn led the Huskies in three of the four big events.

"I've been training hard since January, knowing I had the ability to come out here and perform, so I just put my mind to it and the numbers came up," Wilburn said. "That's what the scouts look for at first, those numbers, good technique in all the drills and stuff. I'm happy with my performance."

Ryan, the leader on the bench with 32 reps, hurt his left knee during a lineman drill and was carted off the field.

"It's awful," Petrus said. "You never want to see something like that happen, especially here of all times. It was at my hands, so I feel personally responsible even though it was kind of a freak accident. It's disappointing but hopefully it's not serious and he can get back up on his feet."

Speaking of Petrus, it's still somewhat of a shock the anchor of the offensive line, All-America as a freshman, did not get a combine invitation. His combine was Wednesday.

"I think I did well. Obviously there's always room for improvement," Petrus said. "I've got some things to work on. I'm excited to get back, keep working, stay in shape and get ready for whatever is to come."

Petrus did 19 reps on the bench, 27½ inches on the vertical jump, 8-3½ in the broad and ran a 5.02 40.

Martin was exceptional during the position drills and recorded 31 inches on the vertical jump, 8-7 in the broad, 18 reps on the bench and a 5.14 40.

"I'm appreciative of having the opportunity to come out and prove what I could do," Martin said. "I thought I did well. I was happy with the fact I did all the little things right and just gave it my all. I'm glad I did that because a lot of guys have ability but effort you can't teach. We'll just keep working hard and see what happens."

Jean-Louis worked out at running back but also showed flexibility as a receiver and defensive back.

"I had an opportunity today – we all did – it's out of my hands now," Jean-Louis said. "I thought I did OK, but we'll see what happens. I'm proud of everybody because they worked hard today for an opportunity." Jean-Louis posted a 4.8 40, 9-9 broad jump, 34.5 vertical jump and had 22 reps on the bench.

Ryan ran a 5.24 40, went 8 feet, 2 ½ inches in the broad jump and 28.5 inches in the vertical. His injury occurred near the end of the session, after he had 32 reps on the bench.

Reyes, by some accounts, could hear his name as a first-round pick during the NFL draft April 26-28. Moore went out to Indianapolis and turned heads with some record-setting performances. Teggart was one of only five kickers invited to the combine and left rated No. 2.